I vividly remember moving to Melbourne, knowing nobody, and in this large city, surrounded by millions of people, I felt lonelier than I had ever felt before. I think a lot of kids, as they enter new stages of their lives, can really relate to this feeling of loneliness, of being surrounded by people but afraid that they won’t make new friends, of feeling completely alone in the world.As I explored that theme for a new children’s book, I thought “what could be lonelier than the darkness of space?” That led me to think about how the Earth would feel if it were to wake up, surrounded by darkness, wanting to make friends.Would other planets be willing to open their hearts? Would the Earth be willing to take a chance and reach out to them? What if the other planets weren’t friendly? What if they didn’t like the Earth for who she was? Q - What do kids learn in this book? To cover the scientific bases first - I’ve been amazed at how quickly kids have learned the little facts that I brought into the story about all the planets. Like Uranus being blue and 4 times the size of Earth - when my son said that to me I was completely blown away by everything he remembered about the story.Everything in the book is based on scientific theory - some of it is debated of course, like how the moon came to be, and the age of the sun - but everything is based on our knowledge of the universe.The other thing, and the most important thing, that kids are learning, is that feeling alone in a new environment is something that everyone experiences. They learn that it’s ok to feel sad when they’re struggling to make friends. And they also learn that friendship is always only a moment (or a meteor) away. Q - What’s the feedback that has been the most surprising? I’ve been constantly surprised by, despite this being a picture book written for young children, how much this concept of feeling alone has resonated with an older audience. I know I had experienced the feeling, especially when in a new city, but so many people have reached out and told me they have felt the same. Q - Do kids love this book? I think that, when it comes to books about planets and space, it can be hard to really engage kids in the facts and the science. I’ve taken a completely different approach. I’ve built a really heartwarming story about the Earth and her emotions.

    Winston, a Bell Captain ghost, befriends her. A motley crew staffs the newly risen Wenlocke Hotel, newly arisen after a century: one-eyed cook and peg-leg pirate, and the imperious boy heir to the Wenlocke fortune. Emma soon learns that things are not always as lost as they seem, especially if you have a brave heart and good friends.<

     Combining art, mythology, and science, What We See in the Stars gives readers a tour of the night sky through more than 100 magical pieces of original art, all accompanied by text that weaves related legends and lore with scientific facts. This beautifully packaged book covers the night sky's most brilliant features--such as the constellations, the moon, the bright stars, and the visible planets--as well as less familiar celestial phenomena like the outer planets, nebulae, and deep space. Adults seeking to recapture the magic of youthful stargazing, younger readers interested in learning about natural history and outer space, and those who appreciate beautiful, hand-painted art will all delight in this charming book.

    They defied the prejudices of the time. And they blazed a trail for generations of women to follow.What does it take to be an astronaut? Excellence at flying, courage, intelligence, resistance to stress, top physical shape — any checklist would include these. But when America created NASA in 1958, there was another unspoken rule: you had to be a man. Here is the tale of thirteen women who proved that they were not only as tough as the toughest man but also brave enough to challenge the government. They were blocked by prejudice, jealousy, and the scrawled note of one of the most powerful men in Washington. But even though the Mercury 13 women did not make it into space, they did not lose, for their example empowered young women to take their place in the sky, piloting jets and commanding space capsules. ALMOST ASTRONAUTS is the story of thirteen true pioneers of the space age.

    "A fun, beautifully illustrated, and heartfelt animal tale." -- Kirkus ReviewFormer Disney illustrator captures the emotions of the characters perfectly. Preschoolers will love the colorful illustrations and adventure while the simple rhyme will build confidence for early readers. Could this new family love a clumsy pup, whose legs had trouble keeping up; who needed help after too many falls, failed at tug and couldn t catch balls? Underlying themes of perseverance, courage, and acceptance of self and others from this magical story. The book is well suited for those who love illustrations from Disney, the fun rhyming of Dr. Seuss and silly antics of Curious George. About the Illustrator Len Smith has spent his entire career in children s entertainment, from Hanna-Barbera studio to Disney Feature and TV animation to Mattel Toys. Len designed Toontown in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit and designed the main characters for the Disney Afternoon series Talespin and Bonkers . He also worked on the four-time Emmy winning series The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and was very proud to do the illustration for The Little Labradoodle: Puppy Pickup Day . Ages: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9; Grade: Preschool, 1, 2,3,4

    All he wants is to launch his golden iPod into space the way Carl Sagan (the man, not the dog) launched his Golden Record on the Voyager spacecraft in 1977. From Colorado to New Mexico, Las Vegas to L.A., Alex records a journey on his iPod to show other lifeforms what life on earth, his earth, is like. But his destination keeps changing. And the funny, lost, remarkable people he meets along the way can only partially prepare him for the secrets he'll uncover—from the truth about his long-dead dad to the fact that, for a kid with a troubled mom and a mostly not-around brother, he has way more family than he ever knew.Jack Cheng's debut is full of joy, optimism, determination, and unbelievable heart. To read the first page is to fall in love with Alex and his view of our big, beautiful, complicated world. To read the last is to know he and his story will stay with you a long, long time.-from the publisher

    But there are no words telling his tale—only intricately illustrated images in exceptional 3-D. On his journey, Jim initially passes the garbage tossed into the waters by land-dwellers, but soon he goes deeper and deeper, immersing himself in the wonders of the waters. He encounters sea creatures large and small, a sunken pirate ship, and even the rem­nant of what seems to be Atlantis, before coming upon a mysterious force at the bottom that turns everything on its head.

     It's time for bed... Hip hip hooray! Let's all give a cheer! The day is through. We've had such fun. Now sleepy time draws near. Before you drift away to dream, let's check in at the zoo. I hear they're having a parade and a pajama party too!  Who's the favorite tonight? Happy Oliver the Octopus in his snazzy red PJs? Or maybe Polly Panda and her bright yellow jammies? It could the very sleepy Wally Walrus!Each night, little lovable zoo animals walk through vibrant illustrations with whimsical, engaging rhymes by author Agnes Green, making bedtime an amusing adventure. Just like Kimberly Koala, who indeed is a snuggle bug, cuddle up with your little one and get ready for a good night's rest with this entertaining, educational story.Sleepy little zoo babies march off from A to Z in beautiful illustrations that tell an endearing bedtime story and create a truly engaging learning experience.

    Shining light on all kinds of fascinating facts about our moon, this simple, introductory book includes information on how the moon affects the oceans' tides, why the same side of the moon always faces earth, why we have eclipses, and more.Using her signature combination of colorful, clear illustrations and accessible text, Gail Gibbons reinforces important vocabulary with simple explanations, perfect for budding astronomers. Legends about the moon, trivia, and facts about the moon landing are also included.

    A book they'll want to read again and again, and you'll enjoy reading with them! * I loved "Shog's Best Friends" It was great fun to read and the verses were adorable. I highly recommend this book.- children's author, Deanie Humphrys-Dunne* A very well written children's educational adventure story book. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish, and never a dull moment. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars. - Tony Parsons (Amazon Reviewer) * We absolutely love rhyming books and can't wait to read more from this author. - Danie Mac (Amazon Reviewer) "Shog's best friends" is a bright, fun way for younger children to learn about finding friendship. Shog desperately wants friends, but he only wants to mix with other dogs. When Shog has an accident, Lilly Frog and Piggle come to his aid and he learns a powerful lesson. A true friend doesn't have to be a dog, just like him! A true friend is someone who is kind and caring, and there when it counts, even if they are "that shade of green!" Combining wonderfully vibrant illustrations with the power of rhythm and rhyme, "Shog's Best Friends"is a perfect bedtime story and a must read for kids starting their reading journey. If you love read along children's picture books this one is a must. RED BEETLE PICTURE BOOKSFollowing in the great tradition of moral tales, Red Beetle Picture Books are designed to teach important life lessons in a fun and entertaining way. Exploring subjects like sharing, kindness, friendship, understanding differences, facing challenges and adapting to change, Red Beetle Books will help your child develop their emotional intelligence, while fostering a life long love of books and reading. This book is for suitable for children from 3-8 years.If you're looking for fun kids picture books with a great message (that your kids will actually want to read)check out the whole series. Look for these other RED BEETLE PICTURE BOOK titles now... "Horses For Courses" - on adapting to change, and developing resilience. "A House For A Mouse"- on kindness, charity and compassion. "The Day I Met The Cribbeldy Crank"(or how to train an angry bug)- on mindfulness and anger management. If you love Hairy Maclary or Room on the Broom, or even if you are just a fan of kids books that rhyme, you will love Red Beetle Picture books. If your kids go mad for Cat in the Hat or just love Dr Seuss, they will love Red Beetle Books. Sharing rhyming books with your children, is one of the most special parts of being a parent. You will love these books!

    This Fully illustrated picture book biography tells the story of a young boy and his loving, single mother and their struggle to make it on their own. With the help of a coach and his family, LeBron is introduced to the game of basketball. Against all odds, “the kid from Akron” not only makes it to the NBA but becomes a basketball legend who now helps others who are struggling like he and his mother once were. Children's/Kids Picture Book Biography K-6

    In fact, getting sick and dying can be a big, ugly mess-especially before the modern medical care that we all enjoy today. How They Croaked relays all the gory details of how nineteen world figures gave up the ghost. For example:It is believed that Henry VIII's remains exploded within his coffin while lying in state. Doctors "treated" George Washington by draining almost 80 ounces of blood before he finally kicked the bucket. Right before Beethoven wrote his last notes, doctors drilled a hole in his stomach without any pain medication.Readers will be interested well past the final curtain, and feel lucky to live in a world with painkillers, X-rays, soap, and 911.

    Big Nate is a self-described genius. Instead of doing homework, he'd rather do these all-new brain-busting crossword puzzles, mazes, Sudoku puzzles, secret codes, and famous scribble games. Big Nate is the king of cartooning, so he'd love the goofy cartoons of his BFFs, Francis and Teddy, know-it-all Gina, his archrival, Artur, and un-favorite teacher, Mrs. Godfrey, a.k.a. Godzilla. And as a kid who thinks highly of himself, he'd be totally excited to take a trivia challenge all about, well, him. The Big Nate Doodlepalooza is a wonderful addition to the bestselling collection of Big Nate books, sure to be enjoyed by all aspiring cartoonists and fans of Big Nate.

    The engine backwash of the Bug fighter would capsize the boat. Or I might put the Taxxon pilot to the test and see if he could ram the low-slung boat. That would puzzle the humans.Either way, my body would never be found...My time of lying low was over...I would spearhead the invasion of Earth. I would take charge of our greatest conquest. I would stand alone atop the Yeerk military hierarchy.I was to become Visser One.From the Hardcover edition

    "What's for dinner?" seemed like a simple question - until journalist and supermarket detective Michael Pollan delved behind the scenes. From fast food and big organic to small farms and old-fashioned hunting and gathering, this young readers' adaptation of Pollan's famous food-chain exploration encourages kids to consider the personal and global health implications of their food choices.In a smart, compelling format with updated facts, plenty of photos, graphs, and visuals, as well as a new afterword and backmatter, The Omnivore's Dilemma serves up a bold message to the generation that needs it most: It's time to take charge of our national eating habits - and it starts with you.